Heather Hodges

Well, the day finally came when I got to take both of my children to school. Leading up to today I’ve been talking with Elijah about going to kindergarten. He said he was excited but not nervous and hoped he would make a lot of new friends. Which, if you know Elijah will not be a problem at all. Caleb was just pumped to get back to school and see his friends.

Caleb first day of 2nd grade. Elijah first day of kindergarten.

The handsome Hodges boys.

When we were about ten feet from the classroom door, Elijah said, “Mom, I guess I am a little nervous.” It didn’t last long though. By the time he stepped inside the classroom he was all confidence and charm.

I apologize to the grandparents for the lack of Caleb pictures. He wasn’t excited about mom taking pictures on the first day of school and wouldn’t let me go to his classroom. My babies are growing up

In an effort to provide better nutrition for my family I picked up Jessica Seinfeld’s new cookbook “Deceptively Delicious.” What a great resource! It is chocked full of recipes that hide nutritive rich vegetables in every day kid food. Last night I gave the boys macaroni and cheese that had 2 yellow squash pureed in the cheese. This morning they gobbled up French toast with pureed sweet potatoes in the batter. For lunch I’m going to try grilled cheese with carrot puree. Wade even tried the mac-n-cheese and decided he liked it better with the squash. I’m feeling a little sneaky, but not one bit guilty about tricking the kids. Tonight will be brownies with spinach, apples and carrots. YUMMMM !

We just had our tax free weekend here in Oklahoma.  All clothes and shoes were tax free and a lot of stores were having huge sales.  Wade and I braved the crowds yesterday after church to buy Caleb and Elijah new shoes.  They each need two pairs, one for every day and one for gym.  After only a few minutes in Shoe Carnival we both agreed we would rather pay tax than fight the crowds.  It was a zoo !!!!  Was anyone else out in that mayhem?

The Oklahoma economy should be sufficiently stimulated now.  I think next year I’ll wait for the sales after the tax free weekend.